What may give Surat a shot in the arm as the diamond manufacturing hub of the world, the International Gemological Institute, the world's largest independent laboratory for testing and grading gemstones and fine jewelry, has opened a laboratory in the diamond city.
Launching an independent laboratory for testing and grading of gemstones in Surat, Roland Lorie, chief executive officer, IGI Worldwide said, "Since grading and certification of diamonds and other gemstones and jewelry was done in Mumbai, so far Surat was the diamond manufacturing hub of the country as well as the world while sorting and trading of diamonds took place in Mumbai. But with an independent laboratory right here in Surat, soon sorting and trading will also follow. All it now needs is an international airport to make it a full fledged diamond manufacturing and trading hub of the world."
India's only ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited laboratory, IGI's latest facility in Surat is spread across an area of 10,000 sq ft and employs 50 trained professionals. Apart from testing and grading, the facility will also provide educational programs including polished and rough diamond grading program, a colored stone identification program and a jewellery design program.
IGI will also offer customized courses for diamond houses, retailers and jewelers on topics such as 'Know Your Diamonds' and retail development program.
Apart from Surat, which has more than 4,500 polishing factories employing more than 450,000 polishers, IGI currently has full-service laboratories in cities like in Mumbai, Seepz, Kolkata and New Delhi, as well as a satellite laboratory in Kerala.
The certification company is planning to set up its 8th full-service laboratory in Chennai in couple of months, said Lorie.
Talking about the launch, Tehmasp Printer, managing director, IGI India said, "In 1997, IGI first came to India with a vision to expand and create awareness regarding certification in the Indian market. In 2010, we are launching an international laboratory with a full-fledged diamond grading and education facility in the diamond manufacturing hub, Surat. It is our endeavour to bring greater sophistication and fineness in the polishing of diamonds for our discerning customers in Surat."
